The Pact

by Brenna Darcy

  “I do, but I hate to be a burden, Dave.” Lacey blinked back the tears. “I know this will be hard on you and I’m sorry.” She didn’t want to cry. She’d dealt with this and had come to terms with what her future had in store for her. Even if she wanted a different outcome, nothing could change her fate.

  “You and Ty will never be a burden on me, we’ll be fine, besides Mim will be on my case, checking I am feeding him enough vegetables, and that all of his clothes are washed and ironed the way she’d do it.”

  “Uh-huh, that’s for sure.” Lacey smiled at her brother, even though she didn’t feel at all happy, but she had to keep him believing she was holding up. He had enough to concern himself with without making it obvious that she was scared, not only for herself, but for those she left behind. Mostly Ty, who would scarcely remember her by the time he was a teenager. “Thanks for picking Ty up for me today. He’s so much happier hanging out with you after a full day at school.”

  “No problem. He looked like he was going to fall asleep when he was watching Bob the Builder.” Dave knew it was his favourite and bought him all of the machine figures last Christmas.

  “He must be tired, I’d better go and get him sorted out before he gets ratty and can’t sleep.”

  Dave nodded. “Have you given any thought to moving in here?”

  Lacey sighed. “Look, it’s not that I don’t appreciate the offer because I do, but I like my little house and doing the normal everyday things I’m not going to be able to do eventually. When the time comes and I have no choice but to give up, I will, I promise. But for now, please don’t make me.”

  Dave wrapped his arms around Lacey’s rapidly fading frame, held her close, and kissed her on the top of her head. “I’m not going to make you do anything you don’t want, I just want you to remember the offer is still there.”

  “Thanks.” Lacey rest her head on Dave’s broad chest. “I couldn’t imagine a more perfect brother than you. Thanks for being so good to me and Ty.”

  Dave nodded. She knew he was struggling to remain strong for her sake, and was putting on a brave front so as not to upset her.

  Chapter Sixteen

  TAKING TIME TO SPEND with Ty, Lacey picked him up from a half day at school and took the rest of the day off until meditation class that evening. This enabled Flic to get ahead with the work in the shop, so when Lacey came in to work the following day there would be little left for her to do besides rest between customers. There would be no stopping her otherwise, she was determined to work as she always had, so Flic made it her mission to reduce the workload.

  On to the last box of stock, Flic wasn’t leaving until she’d finished. The late afternoon rush had set her back, but she enjoyed the kids coming in after school. Even the locals stopped by regularly, mostly just to chat with Lacey. That afternoon a group of teenage girls came in to buy the love spell kits Lacey kept in supply for her older customers. They were a little gimmicky, but a hit all the same.

  Still giggling and talking about which boy from school they intended to focus their spell upon, they left the shop. A chorus of “Hi Dave,” followed by more giggles alerted Flic of his presence. He often stopped by before they closed for the day, but usually to drop Ty off to Lacey.

  “Hi.” Flic smiled, always happy to have company.

  “Hey, I noticed your car still in the cottage driveway, do you need a lift home?” Dave frowned.

  His persistent over protectiveness of the simple act of walking alone was growing tiresome. Clearly there were other life threatening possibilities he could focus on, but was obsessing for the sake of it. Sure she agreed the need for being safe was important, but it was daylight when she left for work, and would remain so until long after she was home in the early evening.

  “I have stock to get through, if you’re in a hurry I’m happy to walk.”

  “No hurry. Do you want me to flip the sign?”

  Flic looked at the clock on the wall. It was already ten minutes after close. “Oh wow, if you don’t mind please. Time goes too fast some days.” She’d have to hurry up if she wanted to make it back for the meditation class in an hour.

  “You could leave that for tomorrow you know, you’ve already put a lot through today.”

  “How do you know, have you been spying on me?”

  “No I carried the boxes in for Lacey early this morning.”

  “Oh, well yeah I guess I have. I just figured I’d get a head start so the work load doesn’t pile up, you know.”

  Dave nodded. “So Lacey doesn’t have so much to do, you mean.”

  Flic looked up from the fairy she was tagging, unsure if Dave’s tone was one of disapproval, or not.

  “She was blessed the day you walked into this store, you know that.”

  Flic raised her eyebrows and offered a half smile. If only he knew she’d temporarily stolen a fairy, maybe he wouldn’t be so generous with his gratitude. She turned her attention back to the box and continued the monotonous, but surprisingly relaxing task, finishing shortly before six. She had time to race home, shower, change, and grab her blanket before turning around to come back for meditation class.

  Walking in, only a few minutes after everyone else, Lacey stopped talking to welcome her. “I just want to have a chat to everyone before we get started. If you’d like a tea, or coffee the water in the kettle is still hot.”

  “Thanks.” Flic smiled at the ladies already seated on blankets on the floor in front of Lacey. Weaving her way through, she spread her own blanket out next to Doris who held out her hand as she walked past, and gave a gentle squeeze. Flic flashed a wide smile and headed over to the kettle. She figured Lacey was going to break the news of her condition tonight, and knew no one would be leaving with the giggles and big smiles they usually arrived with. Tonight would see the end of an era. The class would never be the same again.

  The shock showed on their faces, the tears and questions followed. How long? What about Ty— the shop— Dave? How can you be so calm? Personal confronting questions Flic would never have dreamed of asking, but after giving it some thought, many of those here had watched Lacey grow up, and offered her support and guidance after her parents died.

  “I think of you as one of my own, I can’t bear the thought of this.” Doris wailed, blowing her nose noisily on one of the tissue Flic handed out after preparing her a cup of tea.

  “And little Ty,” added Anita.

  “Ty will be luckier than most, I’m counting on all of you to be part of his life for a very long time, and through you he will know and remember me. I know, it’s not the most relaxing news to share before a meditation class, but you all mean so much to me I thought it fair I tell you, give you time to get use to the idea before I— well, before it happens.”

  Flic didn’t look at Lacey, or anyone else in the room for that matter. She didn’t want to cry for fear she wouldn’t stop. Hearing the words spoken aloud to the group, and so many questions answered as though plans were in place, made it seem more realistic than before.

  “The thing is, for now I’m still here, and the reason I haven’t said anything is because it’s hard to deal with.” Lacey sighed. “I don’t want to be reminded all the time. I don’t want to worry Ty by having this brought up in front of him, and I want to enjoy what time I have left with all of you and not dwell on discussing what might happen constantly.”

  “We won’t speak of it after tonight, unless you need to talk to us.” Doris’s comment struck Flic as more an order than anything else. The others simply nodded in agreement.

  Lacey smiled. “I love you guys.” Her voice broke and she had to look away a moment to compose herself, which saw a fresh flood of tears from the rest.

  It didn’t go unnoticed. All of the ladies felt exactly the same for her, the love and support from friends that Lacey was so obviously grateful for.

  The session that evening was draining. Everyone lingered to hug, kiss and reassure Lacey they would help Dave and watch over Ty for her.
Flic was relived to close the door after the final straggler. It’d been a long night and everyone was emotionally exhausted, but the meditation session seemed to mellow the mood. Lacey told them that there would come a time when she would be waiting on Thursday nights to join them in their gardens.

  Flic worried about Mim, trying to stay strong for everyone else. She didn’t cry, but topped up tea and coffee as if they were guests in her restaurant. Mim was the closest Lacey had to a mother since her own had passed. Flic knew she too would need looking out for. The brave tough front didn’t fool her for a moment. Underneath the charade was a breaking heart. She had firsthand experience in losing a child. Biology didn’t change how hard it would be for her to cope with the grief.

  Flic didn’t talk about Lacey’s illness on the way home, suspecting she’d had enough for the night. Considering Lacey didn’t bring it up again, Flic guessed she’d been right.

  Dave appeared in the doorway as soon as Flic pulled the car up in his driveway to drop Lacey off. He walked toward the car before Lacey had a chance to get out.

  “Hi, Flic you’re going to join us for a drink aren’t you?”

  “Ahh I was actually going to have an early night.” She didn’t like to intrude on family time.

  “Just a quick one, Ty has made you both something.”

  “Ok, you know I can’t resist an invitation if it’s coming from Ty.” Turning the ignition off Flic left her car and walked inside with Lacey, Dave had gone on ahead to let Ty know she was staying.

  As they entered the house, Dave kissed them both as they passed, Lacey on the cheek and Flic on the mouth. The gesture caused a reaction from both Flic, who looked surprised and Ty, who laughed and asked if Uncle Dave loved Flic.

  Dave didn’t comment, instead ruffled his hair and signalled for Ty to follow him. “Ladies, please go and relax in the lounge room,” he said, looking back over his shoulder at them.

  Doing as they were told, Lacey led the way.

  “Well this is a first, I’ve never seen Dave’s work in such a mess before.”

  Dave’s manuscript was spread out all over the coffee table, with some piles on the floor. Flic knew he was usually an organised writer, and guessed immediately this to be out of character for him. Knowing the difficulties he was facing with his work, she wasn’t surprised in the slightest.

  “He’s always so strict about writing only in his office, I’ve never seen a page of his work leave it until bound in a novel.”

  “I guess he got distracted.” Flic tried to make light of the situation. It wouldn’t do Lacey any good to worry.

  “Obviously. Anyways, how are you going with yours?”

  “I haven’t done a lot, I must admit, it’d be nice to have a few solid weeks dedicated to writing, undistracted by anything else, but—” After it was out, Flic hoped Lacey didn’t think she was referring to her situation.

  “Why don’t you do that, take some time and focus on your writing and give yourself the chance to develop the story?”

  “I could, but to be honest, I know I wouldn’t. As much as I enjoy it, if I had to write full time I’d procrastinate and find reason to do other things like go outside in the sunshine, or to the beach, or wineries. I get distracted easily. Besides I still have bills to pay and don’t think my writing will substitute my income anytime soon, if ever.” Flic smiled. “I’m happy working in the shop and writing when I feel inclined to do so. Besides, the shop inspires me, makes me feel creative and clear. Being a person who is always in their head, keeping busy is the best way for me to function. The shop has been a life line for me, and so have you.”

  “Good, because if you are happy and want it, I’d like to give it to you.”

  Flic laughed.

  “I’m serious, I’ve spoken with Dave and my lawyer, they’re happy if you’re willing.”

  Flic was speechless a moment. “What? No, Lacey. I can’t. It’s too much. You should sell it for Ty.”

  “Do you think there is anything my brother can’t afford to buy him? Even if he never writes another book again I think he could live comfortably for the rest of his life.”

  “Oh, I don’t doubt Dave will provide well for him, but later on for when he wants to buy a house of his own.”

  “He will have mine. Dave’s going to rent it out and keep it for when Ty’s old enough to decide what to do with it.”

  “Well maybe I could get a loan to buy the shop—or something?” Flic was thinking fast, she didn’t know if she’d be able to afford it, and didn’t want to ask her mum to go as security for her. She was adamant to stand on her own two feet again and not go running back to her mother every time she wanted to do something new.

  “If it would make you more comfortable, we could come to an arrangement for a small amount, like five per cent, to be put in a trust for Ty. That way there is no pressure on you to come up with a fixed amount. All outgoing amounts have been settled and the business account is healthy.”

  Flic thought about it for a moment. “I would be happier if twenty percent was put in to trust.”

  “We can argue that later, do you want to do this? I don’t mind if you want to think about it a while first, but if you do decide to go ahead, I’d like to transfer everything into your name before—well, soon. I can give you the account books for you to check through, that way you know I’m being straight with you.”

  “I don’t have to think about it, I would be honoured, and not only do I know your books are in perfect order, I trust you.”

  “I know you do, but I’d like you to double check anyway. I’m not quite as sharp as I once was and want to make sure I haven’t missed anything. That is if you don’t mind?”

  “I’d be happy to.” Flic walked over and gave Lacey a hug. It was then she noticed how much weight she had lost. There was nothing left of her, and it’d happened so quickly. The day Dave had told her about Lacey’s illness, she’d been in bathers, and although she was thin, she wasn’t bony as she now was.

  The boys came in. Ty was carrying a plate of cupcakes covered in green icing and sprinkles. He looked so proud of them as he held the plate out for his mother to take one.

  “Oh, Ty, they are wonderful, did you make them.”

  “Yep, all by myself.”

  Lacey beamed until he took the plate and offered one to Flic, when she turned away, but not before Flic witnessed a single tear slip down her face.

  She’d guessed Lacey was putting on a brave face for Ty and the sake of everyone else. How long was she going to be able to keep it up? Devastated, Flic struggled to hold back her own tears.

  Lacey managed to compose herself a moment later and praised her son for the best tasting cupcake she had ever eaten. Ty beamed.

  They didn’t stay long after finishing their tea and cake. Ty had school the following morning, and Lacey looked exhausted.

  Dave asked Flic to stay, no doubt to discuss the shop.

  She was right.

  “Lacey thinks highly of you. She considered closing down before you came to town.” Dave paused. “Neither of us want it to be a burden. I’m happy to help with any outstanding bills the shop has against it, and any you may struggle to pay in the future. I’m not ready to see it close and think it’d be good for Ty to have as much familiarity in his life as possible.”

  “I don’t know why you’d think the shop is struggling, Lacey has everything well under control and the shop makes plenty to stay afloat. Unless you’re trying to tell me her accounting skills are dodgy.”

  “Not at all, I suppose I didn’t think a fairy shop would pull in a lot, is all. Lacey and I never discussed the financial affairs. I assumed there’d be debt against it, and thought her too proud to ask for money.”

  “Well, it’s not really my place to discuss the stores finances with you. I’m sure Lacey will, if you ask her.”

  Flic knew, from prior discussions, Lacey had almost paid off her house and the business was thriving. She didn’t live the over the top lifestyl
e her brother chose, opting for quaint and homely.

  Dave changed the subject. “How did tonight go?”

  “The ladies were devastated of course. Worried about all of you, the shop, and everything.”

  Dave nodded. “They’ve been like our family for so long, it wasn’t right to keep them in the dark. They need time to come to terms with it all. What did Lacey tell them about the shop?”

  “That someone new was taking over, but things hadn’t been finalised.”

  “How do you feel about it?”

  Flic thought before answering. “I hope I can keep it thriving as Lacey has. It’s a part of her and I don’t want to do anything wrong.”

  “Bit like me with Ty.”

  Flic smiled. “Okay, you win, you’ve definitely got the harder more important task.”

  “Let’s make a pact.”

  “What pact?”

  “You give me some parenting tips, and I’ll help you with the shop if you need it.”

  “Okay, deal. What is it with you two, making deals with someone you hardly know from a stranger?”

  “Lacey’s been making you deals too? I should’ve known.” Dave grinned. “Will you go out to dinner with me tomorrow night?”

  “Aren’t you going to Mim’s with Lacey and Ty?”

  “No, Ty’s invited to a birthday party in the afternoon, so they’ll come over here for dinner on Sunday, Lacey doesn’t see the point of going out to eat when she has no desire, and Ty is just as happy staying at home, or here.”

  Flic nodded.

  “So, would you like to?” Dave persisted.

  “That would be really nice, are we going to Mim’s?”

  “No. Have you ever been to the Margaret River Winery, The Great Southern? I thought we could go to the wine tasting movie night, and have a picnic dinner, for something a bit different.”

  “Sounds nice, I’d love to, what should I bring?”

  “Nothing.”

  FLIC WASN’T SURE WHAT to wear to an outdoor cinema at a winery. She wanted to look casual, but nice, it was a date after all. She didn’t wear much make up, just enough to highlight her features and enhance the warm glow the sun had gifted her. The simple white all in one outfit she’d bought last Christmas, but never wore, was a strong candidate for the evening. The flimsy fabric pantsuit hung loose around her legs and gathered at the ankles. The top, at the front, was a simple tank style that scooped low at the back. With neutral coloured flat-heeled sandals and small tote bag to match, the outfit looked elegant and soft without being over the top. Knowing it would get cool before the evening was over Flic grabbed a lightweight cardigan.